July 2024
Volume 2 | Issue 7
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Building Bridges for Connection
Marylanders Online is on a mission to bridge the digital divide and empower everyone in our state to thrive in the digital world. We're proud to serve every region of Maryland with resources and services designed to be inclusive and accessible for everyone.
Here's how we're making a difference:
🛜Breaking Down Barriers
We're addressing the challenges that prevent people from getting connected, regardless of age, income, ability, digital skill, or citizenship.
🛜Building Skills for All
Our programs are inclusive and serve a wide range of needs, from basic computer skills to job-specific training and everything in between.
🛜A Statewide Approach
We serve all regions of Maryland, working to ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate in the digital world.
The team is hard at work creating our fiscal year-end report. Stay tuned to learn more about our accomplishments in the next newsletter!
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2024 Maryland Statewide Digital Equity Summit
Connect with fellow digital literacy pioneers at the 2024 Maryland Statewide Digital Equity Summit on October 15th in Baltimore. This year's theme is Beyond the Divide: Best Practices & Collaborative Strategies in Digital Equity. Topics will include state entities, digital navigation, digital skills training, outreach, best practices, and more!
Learn more at https://go.umd.edu/2024DigitalEquity.
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2024 Cultivating Innovation in Maryland’s Agriculture and Technology Conference
The future of farming is here - learn about the groundbreaking technology that's revolutionizing the ag and farm industry. Register for the 2024 Cultivating Innovation in Maryland's Agriculture and Technology Conference on December 12th in Annapolis and enjoy an exciting day filled with exploration into the current and emerging technologies transforming efficiency, profitability, and the future of the agricultural sector.
Learn more at https://go.umd.edu/AgTech2024.
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Marylanders Online has a host of self-guided learning resources in the Get Help section of the website that connect learners with free trainings, tutorials, and guides to learn computer basics, how to communicate online, connect to the internet, find jobs, and use government services. Get Help. | |  |
Use the Give Help section of the website to level up your digital literacy skills and assist others in doing the same. These resources includes trainings, tutorials, and other instructional materials to help digital navigators and other digital equity partners build digital skills in their communities. Give Help. | | |
Marylanders Online in Action | |
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During the first half of 2024, there were 9,594 English calls and 1,545 Spanish calls, amounting to a total of 11,139 calls. This is a 9935% increase over Q1 and Q2 of 2023, which saw only 111 calls in the first six months of the year.
There has been a total of 17,231 calls to the Marylanders Online helpline since April 2023 when the free service began.
Meet our Digital Navigators or Contact the Helpline by calling toll-free 1-866-206-8467.
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Building Connection in Calvert County
Marylanders Online Tech Educator Maria Barga and Project Director Isaias Tesfalidet met in Calvert County on June 18th for a roundtable discussion with Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day. The event focused on economic development, community resources, housing, childhood poverty and food insecurity, homelessness, and connectivity within Calvert County. Maria highlighted the successful collaborative partnerships Marylanders Online has developed in Calvert County which have enabled us to offer digital skills classes to residents who received Chromebooks.
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CASA Wheaton Welcome Center
Through Marylanders Online's collaboration with CASA and Lakeland Civic Association, Tech Educator Gabriel Fumero has provided computer skills training to 48 residents with limited-English proficiency. Gabriel has achieved great success in fostering partnerships with Spanish-speaking and immigrant communities by using his expertise in education, curriculum development, and his bilingual capabilities.
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Maryland Meets California at the 2024 ALA
Alison Harding and Dr. Mega Subramaniam presented key findings and practical implications of the Marylanders Online interview study to a captivated audience of 100 librarians at the American Library Association Annual Conference in San Diego, CA on June 30th.
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Chromebook OS Appointments
Chromebook device recipients who are receiving an error upon boot-up may need to update the device's operating system (OS). Marylanders Online Digital Navigators are offering free virtual and in-person appointments to help users with this process.
Appointments can be scheduled by visiting https://go.umd.edu/OSAppointment. Support is available in English and Spanish, with other languages upon request. Learn more.
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Digital Literacy Resource Mapping
We invite all digital literacy practitioners to share the digital inclusion resources and programming available in your organization or community.
Complete the resource form here: https://go.umd.edu/MD-Resources.
Thank yuou for contributing to the advancement of digital equity in Maryland!
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Keri Grant
Tech Educator
Keri is a University of Maryland Extension Tech Educator based in the Eastern Shore of Maryland, serving the Lower Shore counties of Talbot, Dorchester, Somerset, Worcester, and Wicomico. She is doing a great job bringing connection and community to this region! Keri has a Bachelor's in Plant Science and a Master's in Business Administration from the University of Maryland. Prior to her current position, Keri spent four years as a Nutrient Management Advisor for Wicomico County and a couple of years as a gardener for Howard County Recreation and Parks.
Keri is a valued member of the Marylanders Online team and has been instrumental in planning the 2024 Cultivating Innovation in Maryland’s Agriculture and Technology Conference using her knowledge of agriculture.
Meet the rest of the UME Marylanders Online team here.
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A Summer Celebration and Fond Farewell
At the Student Farewell Party and Summer Cultural Food Extravaganza on June 28th, the team came together to enjoy delicious food, great company, and many fun memories!
As Marylanders Online embarks into the new fiscal year, we express our sincere gratitude and appreciation to several valued team members who are departing the program: Ali, Blaise, Pruthvi, Yashi, Arhab, Gaurav, and Masangai. Their dedication, expertise, and contributions have played a significant role in the success of Maryland's digital literacy initiatives. While their presence will be missed, they will undoubtedly achieve great things and we wish them all the very best of luck in their future endeavors!
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Digital Literacy & Equity Events | |
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Must be 18 years or older and live in Baltimore City to participate. One Chromebook per household. Call 443-984-4944 for more information.
Multiple dates in July are available.
Learn more
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Montgomery County is providing one free Chromebook to Montgomery County residents age 7+ who do not have access to a computer. You do not have to be a U.S. citizen. Limit 1 computer per person. People who previously received a computer from the County are not eligible to receive another computer. You must have an appointment to receive a computer, have a library card, be a Montgomery County resident, and bring proof of ID and address to your appointment.
Multiple dates in July are available.
Learn more
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The Cybersecurity in Agricultural Forum, hosted by the Rural Maryland Council is scheduled for July 17th at Cecil College.
Learn more.
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Net Inclusion 2025
NDIA has announced that NetInclusion 2025 will be held May 20 - 22, 2025 in Gila River Indian Community in Arizona.
Learn more
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Marylanders Online Helpline | |
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Any person residing in Maryland can connect with Marylanders Online, a free, statewide digital literacy project through the University of Maryland Extension (UME) in partnership with the College of Information (INFO) that offers computer help, digital skills classes, resources, tech support, and more. Learn more at www.MarylandersOnline.umd.edu.
Connect with Marylanders Online today to access free resources and support for
- Computers, tablets, and cell phones
- Getting on the Internet or Wi-Fi
- Finding digital skills classes and training
- Self-guided digital skills learning
- Applying for government services
- Digital navigator resources
- Advancing digital inclusion in your community
The toll-free Marylanders Online Helpline can be reached at 1-866-206-8467 Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., or by emailing marylandersonline@umd.edu.
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University programs, activities, and facilities are available to all without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, religion, protected veteran status, genetic information, personal appearance, or any other legally protected class.
If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any event or activity, please contact your local University of Maryland Extension Office.
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